Home Security No Childs Play

I was talking to a customer the other day about security related issues. He told me an integral part of his business involved cold calls to residences. He expressed a concern over the amount of young children who answer the door unassisted by gown-ups.

Dealing exclusively with homeowner booked appointments, I'm somewhat shielded from this type of security risk. I have to admit I was somewhat surprised more parents wouldn't sit down with their children and warn them about the dangers of opening doors to strangers.

All the locks and alarms in the world are rendered useless in the hands of an uninformed child. It's a parent's obligation to inform their children of the dangers of opening doors to strangers. Many parents feel this subject is difficult to approach because of it's complexities. Complexities like, "We don't want to scare our children", or "Our children will grow up to be unsociable adults".

Let's not make an issue out of a simple demand. In to-day's world we appear to be dishing out premature responsibility to our children. Responsibilities like answering the telephone, looking after younger siblings or even opening the door to strangers.

Parents need to assess the situation and lay down some strict do's and don'ts for not only their children, but themselves. Guidelines that might mean making some career rendering decisions like working from home or investing in professional daycare services.

In to-days world, you can't afford to under staff your home front security. Leaving a young child in charge of your home, if only for a few minutes is dangerous business. It only takes a few seconds for a predator or burglar to make his or her move. Parents must realize, no matter how much you reinforce the dangers of opening doors to strangers, there will always be children that are easily influenced because of their trusting, curious instinct.

If you have a situation where you have adult care in your home but cannot break a youngster from opening doors, you do have some choices. Choices that won't cost an arm and a leg and will give you piece of mind.

Installing double cylinder deadbolts (keyed both sides) will prevent young tots from opening doors. Of course you should always keep a spare key close by the door in case of fire, but up high enough so junior can't open the door at his or her free will. Another option is to install a second deadbolt high enough in the door to prevent a youngster from opening the door.

I would discourage installing gate type hook locks or chains at the top of doors. Once a child opens the main deadbolt lock your door security is now breached. A gate type hook lock or chain may prevent a child from escaping through the door but will offer little resistance to an intruder.

We all know when it comes to home safety, we wouldn't allow a tiny tot to cook on the family stove....... so why would we allow him or her to open the door to strangers!

Frank Fourchalk is widely recognized for his sustained commitment to education in Home and Business security throughout North America as a result of his syndicated newspaper columns. Mr.Fourchalk has written for The Toronto Star, The Vancouver Province and several other daily newspapsers including the New York Post.

Information Of Home Security Alarm Systems

Home security alarm system includes burglar alarm, fire alarm and health safety alarm. Complete all these, and your homes will considerably be safer and your wallet lighter

No one compromises security, that is for sure. But now, danger have gone to such a level that padlocks, chains, fences and even doors and shuttered windows cannot really afford a respite against such a looming threat. On another circumstance, medicine cabinets and emergency assistance numbers are not much help in case of emergency. that is where home security alarm systems come into play.

The first home alarm system is intended for burglars. But with today technology, burglar alarms have come to such heights from the simplistic device of an open/close circuit and a solenoid gong. Today is about high precision and infrared monitoring devices such as cameras. Not only that, these cameras are so small that you can mount them anywhere and still they will evade notice. Conventional burglar alarms are still in play, motion detector and circuit alarms are still found in today homes. The newest innovation is perhaps the alarm that stimulates the barking of a dog. This device also includes macros that would automatically turn on a light to simulate occupancy, a perfect alarm system if you are not at home.

Fire alarms also play an important factor for home security alarm systems. In fact some packages include both a burglar alarm and a fire alarm. In case you do not know, cases of fire are much more common occurrence than forced house entry, so protecting your homes from fires is a non debatable. Fire alarms have a number of types but the most common are smoke detectors. Smoke detectors have two types, ionization and photoelectric. Ionization detectors are cheaper and easier to install so if you cannot afford to get the two types (which is much recommended), then try to get at least the ionization detector.

The next alarm system is for health safety. Sometimes a medicine cabinet loaded with all kinds of prescription drugs will not just do. Accidents happen in such a way that gets you unprepared. Personal alarm system cuts the risk of these situations considerably. By having a personal panic button transmitter in the form of a key fob, this handy emergency button can really get you help as you need it. So no mad dashing to the phone or the bedroom for your medication; a press of the button and the automatic dialer will make a call to the selected phone numbers issuing an emergency situation to your home.

There are also response teams that give out 24/7 monitoring service for a monthly bill. This is the best home security alarm system although it would cost also a considerable sum. The best system works best if one does it for you, e.g. like a personal nurse/bodyguard. And who is the best qualified (except for the personal bodyguard/nurse/butler) than a team of medical personnel watching your routine and making sure you took medicine.

So let me recap. Home security alarm system includes burglar alarm, fire alarm and health safety alarm. Complete all these, and your homes will considerably be safer and your wallet lighter.

Read More On Home Security Alarm Systems or Visit http://securityalarmsystem.alarmsystemmortgage.com

Home security in a world of burglaries

Security is very important nowadays because we live in a very troubled world concerned with poverty and violence. Today, people do anything for money - they lie, steal, kill and even break in another man's house. It's not the people who just want something to eat we have to be afraid of now; it's the ones that want money so desperately that they would break into our own little corner of peace and safety - our house. All of this can be prevented with the help of a home security system.

Because home is everyman's castle, the one place he can feel comfortable and safe and loved, modern technology has provided a way for people to be able to keep these feelings regarding their house with the help of a home security system. If you don't see the utility of a security system you should know that it is indispensable for a modern house or even for a business company's building. A home security system can do wonders preventing your house from being burglarized. First of all the chances of burglars even trying to break in your house become slimmer because a security system intimidates and leads to thoughts of risk and of going to jail just for a couple of bucks. You see, thieves and burglars are very intelligent and they won't break into a house that has a home security system unless the "earnings" are worth it. So, this way, you can prevent burglars from even attempting to steal from you or to harm you in any way. You can let burglars know you have a security system in many ways. A yard sign is very common because you let people know from the beginning you have a home security system and trespassing is illegal. Another way would be through outside lighting. Some security systems have a module that lights up the outside lights whenever someone is walking around your house; of course, this is active only during night time.

A home security system makes people feel better. A lot of people have fears that can turn into phobias. A home security system makes them feel a lot better just knowing there is something that will stop the burglars. This way a security system ensures a good night sleep and the feeling of normality in abnormal conditions when everyone can feel threatened by outsiders. If you have gone through this situation before you know how important your home security is.

The people that feel the biggest need for a home security system are those that keep something valuable in their house. For that kind of people, security comes first and they should do everything to get the best home security system. Let's imagine you keep something very important and valuable in your house, like documents, rare and original paintings, different artworks or even money. Then, the need for security is even bigger than usual. Burglars will be the first to know of your wealth and they will devise a plan to go in an get it. It's a very good idea to stop them with the help of a home security system. Of course if you have a big house and only some areas need a tighter security, then you should decide on a custom home security system.

Any business or office should be guarded by a security system. In these cases, it is not an option. It's a necessity. If a home security system is in some ways optional, a security system for an office is a must because exposing to risk the place where you keep all your documents and all the information about your business is not wise at all. Not to mention your business can also deal with money or other valuable objects that some might consider tempting to steal. Thieves will be very interested in any of these things, so the need for a security system is obvious.

Basically a home security system, just as the name says, is any type of system that ensures the security of your house. It is a system because it has multiple elements put together just to make the house burglar proof from any point of view. Home security systems can be sophisticated or simple. This depends entirely on your needs. If you just need a security system to help you feel safe so you can sleep better at night, then you don't have to buy any sophisticated and expensive equipment. But if you have something valuable in your house and you need to keep it very safe, then you should use a state of the art home security system. This might even mean a custom security system different from what security firms sell to the masses. Having to pay more shouldn't be your primary concern when your valuable belongings are at risk.

Home security is a much discussed subject nowadays as everyone needs to be safe in their homes or at work. They all try to make their homes safer places from burglars even if this means having to pay a small fee for a security system and they are all glad they have a chance to protect themselves and the ones they care about.

Are you interested in the best deals in the home security industry? If your answer is a positive one, please visit our site and check out our security offers! You will surely find the appropriate system for your house or office.

Don't Be a Target: Nine Simple Home Security Tips

Burglars will always go after the easiest target. Not necessarily the biggest house on the block--but the easiest one to break into. Burglars like dark houses, and they like to get in fast. If your house is well-lit or takes more than five minutes to break into, chances are they'll go elsewhere. If you want to make your house less inviting to burglars, here's how to do it.

Keep the lights on. It's a good idea to invest in security lighting. If your home or yard is kept lit at night, it's a definite burglar deterrent. When lighting your home, it's important not to make it blaze so brightly it bothers the neighbors--but a downlight over your garage and front doors, uplights beneath windows, and a few well-placed outdoor lamps in the yard can go a long way towards discouraging most break-ins.

Get a good home security system. The best home security systems have an alarm that automatically alerts the police. Motion detectors are useful to install in your yard--turn them on before you go to bed at night so they don't go off when you and your family are outside during the day.

Have a thick door with a deadbolt. Your door should be in good repair. It should fit its frame well, with no chinks and no soft or rotting wood in the frame. The best lock in the world won't keep a burglar out if your door isn't strong as well. You should have a deadbolt--never rely on those doorknob locks. Get a peephole, preferably a wide-angle one, installed in your door. It's much safer than using a chain--strong burglars can break those chains and push you aside to get in.

If you have a garage, this also applies to the door that leads from it to the inside of your house. Garage doors are often flimsy, with cheap locks. Make sure the door that goes into your house from your garage is just as strong as your outside-access doors, with the same strong deadbolts and peephole.

If you have sliding glass doors, you've probably noticed the locks are weak. Don't depend on a stick set in the door channel. Go to your local hardware store and see what they have for strong locks for these doors.

Don't make it obvious you're away. When you go away on holiday, don't close your blinds any more than you usually do. Have the post office hold all mail and packages so it doesn't collect outside your door. Ask a friend to collect hand-delivered circulars from your doorstep. If you're going to be gone for longer than a week, pay someone you trust to mow your lawn or shovel your driveway.

Many people install timers on the lights in their homes, and set them to go on and off at appropriate times to make it look like you're home. There are lots of other ways to do this as well, like installing motion-sensitive lights outside of your house and putting your radio and TV on a timer so that they go on and off, as well.

Get a home security safe. If you have anything especially valuable in your house--jewelry or important documents, for example--protect them with a home security safe. These can go a long way toward protecting your peace of mind, as well as your belongings.

Don't show off tempting items. Open your blinds and look in your windows--from the street as well as from your yard. Can you see a television, a computer, stereo equipment, or any other valuables from your windows? If so, you may be advertising to burglars without knowing it. Make sure nobody from outside can see any valuable objects in your house. Also, don't leave anything outside in your yard that can be carried off--it makes too tempting a target for even casual thieves.

Watch your windows. Make sure your windows are strong and in good repair--including the frames. In addition, it's a bad idea to put a window-mounted air conditioner in a window on the ground floor--these can be easy to push out. It's a good idea to trim shrubs and trees near windows, as these can provide cover for burglars.

Careful with your keys. Don't keep your keys on a ring with your home address anywhere on it. And don't hide an extra key under the doormat, in that flowerpot by the door, or anywhere else outside. You may think you've found the perfect hiding place, but most burglars know where to look. Think about getting a key safe.

Contact your local police. Often, the police will send someone to assess your house and recommend the steps you should take to make your home safer. This is a good thing to do anytime you move into a new house, or if there have been robberies at other homes in your area recently.

Keep your house from being a tempting target. Don't help burglars rob you by keeping your house dark at night, keeping expensive items by the window, or neglecting your windows and doors. Follow these simple tips, and your home will be much less inviting to criminals--and much safer.

Anthony Neary works for http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk/ the UK's premier supplier of home and office safes. For more information on a range of security safes visit http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk/Categories/security_safes/

How to Review Your Home Security Needs & Choose a Home Security Company

Before you choose a home security system, it is important to take the time to review your needs. There are three primary areas that should be assessed: your security needs, credibility of the security company, and your budget.

Starting with your security needs, undoubtedly, you will be the best judge of what your actual needs are. It pays to have a security expert come in, however, to offer suggestions that you may not know of or think of yourself. An expert will look at your house with a trained eye, finding the most vulnerable spots, such as a window facing an open field or a balcony with a climbable tree right beside it.

The security expert will give you a list of all the problem spots and can recommend the best type of equipment to protect them. He/she will also be able to tell you exactly how many contact sensors, motion sensors, video cameras, etc. you'll need to protect your home effectively.

Next, you'll need to consider if it would be favourable to install a stand-alone security system or one that comes with central monitoring. If you are away frequently and your house is somewhat secluded, central monitoring is advisable. Credibility and reputation of the security company are important factors to consider, especially if you're planning to go with the latter choice. We will discuss this in detail shortly.

The final thing to consider is the cost. You'll obviously need to make a choice that covers your security needs reasonably and fits within your budget. Keep in mind, however, that many home insurance policies offer discounts when an alarm is installed; this may help to offset a part of the cost of the security system.

Choosing a Home Security Company When you're looking for a home security company, you will find both large companies (like Brinks and ADT) to smaller companies that are authorised installers for the bigger companies. In between these two lie medium sized firms that offer affordable prices for their security services.

Most companies provide multiple services such as assessing your security needs, installing the equipment and central monitoring. You should check if the monitoring station is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) certified, has power backups in case of a power outage, a good staff training program and a good relationship with the local authorities in case of an alarm call.

When you're ready to invest in a home security system, talk to a few different companies before having anything installed. They will conduct risk assessments to ascertain your home security challenges and how to address them.

Reputable home alarm companies will meet you in person at your home--never exclusively by phone. They will look around, discuss your needs and possible limitations, and recommend solutions that have worked for other customers.

Experts recommend getting quotes from three to four different installers. Ensure that you get all pricing quotes in writing--including set up, equipment, monthly monitoring fees, and warranties. The first company you speak to may seem to have a fantastic deal, but don't sign anything immediately. Take your time and meet with a few other companies and find out who offers the best balance of price and security. Some security companies require you to sign a contract for a certain length of time, which can easily extend to a period more than a year. Once you sign the contract, it can be difficult (and expensive) to get out of the contract.

Once you receive quotes and narrow down your search of home security companies, get references from each provider--previous clients who gave permission to be contacted about that dealer's service. Find out why they chose that particular company and ask questions about the company's quality of service:

? Did they install the system quickly, within the timeframe they guaranteed? ? Are they readily available if you encounter any problems? ? Did the representative explain to everyone in your household how the system works? ? Were the contracts unambiguous and straightforward? ? If you ever experienced an intrusion, did the central station speedily dispatch authorities? ? Will you receive a reasonable notice period if the alarm company sells your contract off to another central station?

In addition, some of the questions you should ask when talking to different security companies include: - How long have they been in business? - Do they have the relevant licenses and certifications? - Are they insured against damages during the alarm installation?

You could also talk to your friends and neighbours and see if they have any recommendations.

Anthony Neary represents online Safe retailer http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk. For more information and a wide range of security safes visit the online Safe Shop store at http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk

Home Security Yard Sign. Convincing A Potential Burglar That Your House Is Protected.

A security system offers the the best protection against burglary and vandalism. When a potential burglar or vandalizing teenagers know you have a security system, they often pass over your home or business and move on to another. A security yard sign alerts a burglar or ne'er-do-well that you have a security system. Or, if a security system isn't in your budget or you don't want to deal with the installation process, a security yard sign placed in your front yard makes potential intruders believe you do.

How Does a Security Yard Sign Work?

Convincing a potential burglar or neighborhood hoodlum that your house or business is protected with a security system or video surveillance can stave off an impending burglary or vandalism to your property. Whether or not you actually have a security system, one glimpse of a security yard sign often scares a thief away. Why would he break into or damage your home or business when there is a more vulnerable house or business down the street?

Where Should You Place Your Security Yard Sign?

Effectively scare away anyone wanting to harm you or your property with a strategically placed and clearly visible security yard sign. The key to the effectiveness of a security yard sign depends on the placement. The following areas are ideal for a security yard sign: All exterior doors, Curb next to driveway, Flower beds and Garage door.

Homes and businesses that can be broken into or vandalized without interruption are a much safer bet for criminals. Advertising the presence of a security system or security cameras makes them believe your home or business isn't a good target.

Inform potential criminals that they are being watch or recorded or that the police will be alerted if they try to burglarize or vandalize your home or business. Choose a security yard sign from the many different types, brands, and sizes.

In addition to placing a security yard sign on your property, you can implement other low-cost home security items, such as dummy cameras and alarm decals.
A home security yard sign is an inexpensive alternative to protect your home.

Ralph Winn writes about Home Security Signs and articles on Home Security Systems

 

Home And Family Security Surveillance Camera

As the world continues to get more dangerous, the last thing you want is to bring that danger directly into your home. Newspaper stories tell the tale babysitters abusing children when their parents are off at work. There's been workers who have been hired in good faith to repair or maintain your property, stealing both from inside and outside the house. It's unfortunate, but the reality is that unless you are vigilant and careful, your family, home and possessions could be hurt by people.

The answer is to be diligent and use caution when hiring anyone. Check references, though many previous people don't or won't give you all the information due to a fear of being sued by the person. Still, if you ask for references and check them, you have a much greater chance of getting good people. Let's be clear that the majority of people are very responsible and trustworthy and all they want is the opportunity to work. That said, there is the very small minority that are the problem and make it more difficult for both the worker and the owner.

Using surveillance cameras is one way to keep better control on your home or business. These little devices are great to placing discretely around your home and office. The reason for using cameras however are twofold.

First, there is the keeping honest people honest idea. This is nothing more than building on the fact that people act differently when they think they're being watched. Put security cameras in the office and let people know about them and they tend to behave differently. There's less of an argument when a customer makes claims against your employee and you need to sort through the information to get to the truth. So this first potential use for surveillance or security cameras is to allow you the potential to see what actually happened.

In a home setting, it's possible to view how the kids are behaving when the adults are gone. Who comes into and leaves your home when can also be captured. This doesn't mean that you don't trust your family or employees, only that by having security camera around, people will be better behaved.

The Second reason why it's important to consider a security camera system is to catch bad behavior or illegal activities. By having your home secured with this technology, you are able to easily identify people that shouldn't be around your home like would be burglars.

There also is the latest in surveillance camera technology, the nanny cam. This is nothing more than a hidden camera within your home to monitor the behavior of people you leave in charge of your children. Some entertain guests while you're away and drink heavily while watching television instead of watching the kids. Although most babysitter- nanny types are great, you need to recognize that if the person you leave in charge isn't responsible, your children could be at risk of being hurt or worse.

Surveillance camera systems have come a long way in the just the last few years. The cameras themselves are getting much smaller and easier to set up. No longer is it necessary to have a specialized security company set up and place a surveillance system in your home or business.

Surveillance cameras now come with a wide variety of options. From capturing color images, motion activated, auto pan and close up functionality from your computer, and even wireless cameras are all available at very attractive pricing. Everyone should consider the importance of having a security surveillance camera for peace of mind of the family and themselves.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, Health, and Home. For more info on Home Security Cameras visit the site at http://www.surveillance-cameras.fixituptoday.com

Home Security Cameras: Easy Security Tips For Tight Budget

You have a limited budget yet you still want to feel a sense of well being in this troubled world. The first thing you want to do is start with the basics- meaning locks on every door and window in your house. Never take for granted the fact that the worst cannot possibly happen to you therefore you must take precautions to prevent it and have some sort of peace of mind that everything will be okay.

If at all probable you need to get one of those entry-level home security systems if you don't have one setup already. Usually this involves having a technician come over to your home and setting up some wiring all over your whole home in strategic places such as your windows and doors and every time they open it will trigger an alarm or silent alarm depending on what features you're looking to get.

In general the system would require you to enter a pass code in order to release the alarm before it goes off and wakes up all your neighborhood residents.

As part of your over-arching home security set up you also want to consider installing a motion detector to light up outside your front door so that it will deter anyone from even trying to come near your home. Speaking of motion detectors you could also set up cameras that will actually go off whenever there is something that triggers a motion alert within a certain radius.

Learn about law enforcement surveillance equipment tips from reading our articles.

Do It Yourself Home Security

Installing a DIY home security system is a bit more difficult and time-consuming than replacing locks and adding a few lights.

Proper and safe home security doesn't have to involve hiring a professional to install the most up-to-date security system on the market. There are numerous DIY home security options out there; you just need to be familiar with them and choose what precautions you should take to keep you, your home, and your family safe. DIY home security involves everything from teaching your children what to do when at home alone to installing a state-of-the-art, DIY home security alarm that allows the homeowner to perform the installation and set up.

DIY Home Security BasicsHomeowners often overlook simple, yet effective, DIY home security projects. If a home looks difficult to break into or a burglar believes there is a good chance of getting caught, he will usually bypass that home and move on to another. The most important aspect of home security is creating an atmosphere that isn't conducive to a burglar being able to enter your home. The following DIY home security projects create this type of environment. Install exterior lights and include either a timer or a motion detector, Secure all exterior doors and windows with well-built, steadfast locks and Trim back trees and shrubs in your yard, especially around windows and doors.These do it yourself home security tasks are easy and fast projects, yet they offer you and your family paramount security.

DIY Home Security Systems Installing a DIY home security system is a bit more difficult and time-consuming than replacing locks and adding a few lights. Before taking on this task, you need to be prepared to spend some time and money, but the advantages are well worth the costs. DIY home security systems are usually wireless and can cost as little as $100 or as much as several thousand dollars. Installing a DIY home security system in your home offers a wide range of benefits. DIY Upgrades, Mobility, Ease of Use and No-Cost Installation.Just as hardwired, professionally installed home security systems can be fit with many different accessories to meet your individual security needs, so can DIY home security systems. The majority of DIY home security systems come with a basic keypad, control panel, and window/door contacts, but the list of accessories available for purchase is virtually endless. Some of the most commonly purchased.

Additions are: Sirens, Strobe Lights, Motion Detectors, Surveillance Cameras, Smoke Detectors and Glass Break Detectors.

Integrating these accessories into your DIY home security system is an easy process, and tailoring your system to fit your needs is extremely important. DIY home security systems also allow you to upgrade your system as needed; as technology advances and the needs of your family change, you can easily install the additional security accessories you feel necessary. From the most menial tasks such as trimming trees to the more advanced job of installing an entire home security system, Do it yourself home security is a great way to e

Ralph Winn writes about Home Security and other related Security topics.
See articles on Home Security Systems

7 Home Security Tips to Protect Your Home and Family During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is ripe with festivities, goodwill and goodies. The season also comes with criminals and scam artists who want to enjoy and celebrate the holidays too. But they want to do it with your stuff and money. And it only takes you letting down your home security and holiday safety defenses one time for this type of scrooge to strike your home or family successfully.

Just one time!

Don't get so giddy with goodwill toward all mankind this season that you overlook sensible home security precautions and holiday safety tips. Here are seven home security tips to help you and your home stay safe and secure year-round but particularly during the holidays. Read these home security tips and see how many you practice

1.) Lock doors and windows when you leave your home (upstairs too)--no matter the length of time you'll be gone. Do this even if you're only going next door for a minute. It only takes a minute for someone watching your departure to enter your home and swipe your gifts or other belongings in easy reach and sight (like your holiday gifts under the tree).

2.) Everybody loves to see a pile of gifts under the Christmas tree, including potential burglars. Don't leave piles of gifts in clear view of glass doors and windows with open blinds, especially when you go out. Your gifts may not be there when you return. In their place may be shattered glass.

3.) Find out who is at the door before you open it. Be wary of couriers you don't know delivering unexpected items or door-to-door solicitors asking for your money. Ask for identification. Ask questions. Don't make hasty decisions when it comes to donating your money. And don't invite these strangers into your home or entryway. You step outside to speak with them. If it's after dark and you're alone, don't feel obligated to open the door at all. In fact, you don't even need to open your door to deliveries after dark. Most couriers are allowed by their companies to leave packages under a certain value at your doorstep (in typically low crime neighborhoods) without requesting your signature and they will do so. Or you can call to make arrangements to pick up packages yourself at the delivery center.

4.) When you're planning to be away on extended visits to relatives and friends, ask neighbors who will be home to collect your newspapers and mail. If you don't want to do that, ask your carriers to hold or stop the deliveries. They will. Also, some home security experts recommend that you utilize automatic timers to work your indoor and outdoor lighting, radio and televisions to give the appearance that someone is home. But they suggest you try to change the pattern of when and where these items turn on and off so someone watching your home doesn't see this pattern (a clear indication that no one is really home).

5.) If you're having a holiday party, move and secure your valuables in the common areas of your home. While you may know who you've invited to your home for a party, you may not know their date or friend very well. If guests have to walk through your bedroom to get to a bathroom, don't leave tempting items like expensive (or even sentimental) jewelry in plain sight.

6.) Don't leave extra house keys under flower pots, loose bricks, fake rocks or on or attached under the rims of your doors and windows. Don't leave spare house keys in your automobiles not secured in garages. Also, don't buy those awful "labeled" container gadgets in the store to "hide-a-key". If you can't give your spare key to a "trusted" relative and you must leave one outside for whatever reason when you're away from your home, try to be a bit more creative with its hiding spot. And make sure nobody is watching when you hide the key.

7.) Do a home security checkup. Put on your black hat and walk through your home, inside and out, with the eye of criminal. How would you break into your home if you had to do so and how long would it take you to do so? That's how long it will take a thief. An experienced thief with the right tools may take less time. You may want to have every member of your family do this home security walk-through including the children. Multiple minds will come up with more ideas. And what a perfect opportunity to talk about home security tips with your children.

The holiday season is a good time to decide which places and items in your home can be more secure and then how to make them more secure for you and your family. Treat yourself this holiday season to the gift of home security and holiday safety by checking out some of the many home security products available to the average person like home safes, house alarm systems, doorway monitors or intercom systems and more. These days everyone likes electronic gadgets--not just James Bond types. Shop for fun electronic gadgets that can help secure your home and possessions in various ways as well as for the less glamorous but effective items like deadbolts and window pins. You've got everything to gain by doing so and everything to lose by not practicing home security tips year-round and holiday safety tips as needed at these special times of the year.

Karen Fritscher-Porter publishes http://www.easy-home-security.com --- an informational site where you can read more home security tips and holiday safety tips as well as browse stores selling home security products.#BREAK#

Home-Based Business Safety and Security Issues

 by: Vishal P. Rao

Anyone that operates a business from home knows that home-based business security issues often come up. This is just part and parcel of running any home-based business.

Realistically, in order to be successful at a home-based business, a business owner needs to release their address and phone number to potential clients or buyers eventually. Even if this is not done, it is rather easy for potential clients and buyers to research and discover the phone number and location of a home-based business.

Therefore, it can be harrowing at times, for home-based business owners in the issues of safety and security, especially if their home-based business is indeed, in their home, exposing their family members to security and safety issues and risks, as well as themselves.

This is not to say that undue measures should be taken, or that undue fear should pervade. A home-based business is really at no more risk of crimes against person or property than a personal residence or any other type of business.

Pre-cautionary measures should however, within normal guidelines be employed, to prevent any untoward occurrences during the course of a business day and after office hours. These measures can include, but should not be limited to the following:

1. The locking of doors and windows as is convenient and the implementation of safety and security devices, even when the building is occupied. Many home-based business owners don't feel that they may legitimately keep the doors and windows "locked", as they may feel that this will inconvenience their clients. This is not true, as any visit to a corporate building will soon prove.

Whenever visitors enter a corporate structure, they are usually scrutinized well by cameras, security personnel and other safety and security methods. As a home-based business owner, you do have every right to employ locked doors and windows, and even implement security cameras and other devices. It is your right under law, and clients, overall, will understand this.

2. The use of structural security measures, such as deadbolts, dogs, fencing, and one-way viewing glass inserted into doors. Measures such as these are used routinely by homeowners and a business within a home does not rule out the use of these deterrents.

3. The use of a separate phone line for business needs. This is only a small added expense per month, but when clients call, no one in a home-based business person's "family" will inadvertently answer, thus lending to the belief that the business is not attached to a personal residence in any way.

4. The use of legitimate business e-mail addresses. No personal addresses should be used. If a business address is used, it leads clients to believe that the business is larger, with more employees present in the building.

5. Routine office hours should be kept. Answering the phone and taking orders ONLY within set regular business hours will prevent clients from "showing up on the doorstep" after certain hours, and will lend a more professional air to a business.

6. Keeping background noise down during office hours. Clients are quick to "pick up" on background noises. On a professional level, an office should be as quiet as possible, with no interruptions by "family" or "friends". This also is a safety measure, as clients will assume the business is strictly unattached from the residence if they sense no background noise.

7. Emergency phone numbers should be posted in clear view. This includes fire, police, and other emergency numbers.

8. A system of "check points" can be established, whereas a friend or family member can regularly call or enter the building or home, to determine if all is well.

9. An emergency system needs to be in place. Any unwanted visitors or unwanted attentions by others need to be reported completely and thoroughly to authorities, as soon as these instances occur. This is especially true if threats or accusations occur. Business owners do not need to "put up" with aggression or unwanted visits by clients.

10. Common sense is the best detriment to tragedies occurring in a home-based business. Never open the door to strangers, never work alone late at night in a deserted area, never deliver anything late at night to a bad neighborhood, or otherwise put yourself or your family in jeopardy. If something doesn't "feel" right, trust your instincts.

As you can see, running a business within the home doesn't need to be fraught by peril. It does require that safety and security measures are implemented, but this is true of any type of business. Remember, "safety first, money later"!

Vishal P. Rao is the editor of http://www.home-based-business-opportunities.com - A website dedicated to opportunities, ideas and resources for starting a home based business. He is also the owner of the http://www.work-at-home-forum.com - an online community of folks who work at home.